It wasn’t that long ago that SkyTrak announced the long-awaited sequel to their first and original model. That first device was a game changer in the golf simulator industry, finally delivering accurate shot tracking and simulation on a sub-$2000 budget. Much has changed since that first device hit the market over 10 years ago, and now that competition is far more stiff, SkyTrak has responded with a proper update in the SkyTrak+.
Big upgrades over the original
Most notably, this new version comes with upgraded cameras and built-in Doppler radar, allowing for measurements that are more precise than the original version with the addition of true, radar-based clubhead tracking for better training info. SkyTrak claims that the club head speed, smash factor, club path and face angle that all get measured by the built-in doplar radar provide players with “precision at a level matched only by the highest end launch monitors on the market.”
While early looks at this device seem to indicate that it is still a bit slow at actually displaying shots after impact, SkyTrak does claim that things are faster. Perhaps the camera side of the equation is much faster versus the original and the overall timing is hampered by the additional clubhead data being collected by the radar system. All in all, I suppose its a decent trade off if you can get hyper-accurate shot data without the need of stickers on your club or markings on your ball.
Now available and shipping immediately
Likely, however, you didn’t swing by to be sold on the new SkyTrak+ and are already interested in this one. At $2995, I think the pricing is fair and the features are definitely solid. If you’re after a great swing training aid that can get you very precise numbers indoors and outside, the SkyTrak+ might be a great fit.
For now, simulation software is limited to E6 Connect, the aging TGC 2019 (though I’m seeing reports of it still not working yet with the new SkyTrak+), Creative Golf 3D or WGT Golf. With no support for GSPro or Awesome Golf, I’d hold off for now on a purchase of this one if a golf simulator is what you are after first and foremost. But if you are a fan of the original SkyTrak and are buying this more as a launch monitor and game-improvement tool, you can take full advantage of all the new upgrades right now.
And the best part is the SkyTrak+ is actually shipping right now. This isn’t a pre-order or notification sign up: it is a true order ready to hit your doorstep in a few days. For a device that was only announced around a month ago, this is an impressive turnaround on availability and shipping. And if you choose to snap one up, let us know over on Facebook or Twitter how you like it. Hopefully we’ll get to try one out soon!
